Manchester City make decision over Julian Alvarez transfer as Chelsea prepare bid

Manchester City have already rejected an approach from Atletico Madrid for Julian Alvarez as Chelsea consider a move for the Argentine forward, according to reports in Spain.

Alvarez has just finished his second season at City, scoring 19 goals for Pep Guardiola’s side who ended the campaign with their historic fourth Premier League title in a row.

The 24-year-old made 54 appearances in all competitions and was the eighth-highest outfield City player in terms of minutes played across the season.

But Marca reports that Alvarez is considering a move in order to gain more prominence as he is aware he will always be behind Erling Haaland at City.

The report claims that Atletico have already made an approach to City about the prospect of a deal for Alvarez but the Premier League champions have ‘flatly refused’ the possibility of a transfer.

It’s understood that even if City were to consider a sale, a minimum bid of €80 million (£67.9m) before add-ons would be too expensive for Atletico.

Alvarez initially joined City for an initial £14m fee from River Plate in 2022 and still has three years left on his contract.

City’s firm stance does not bode well for Chelsea who, according to reports in Argentina, are preparing their own move for Alvarez.

Chelsea’s hierarchy have a positive relationship with City having signed Cole Palmer and Raheem Sterling in recent years, while Mateo Kovacic made the move from Stamford Bridge to the Etihad Stadium last summer.

But they face a difficult task in convincing City to let Alvarez leave, given his proven versatility and ability in front of goal since joining the Premier League.

Paris Saint-Germain have also expressed an interest in signing Alvarez before the start of next season as they seek a replacement for Kylian Mbappe, who has joined Real Madrid.

PSG have also considered a move for Victor Osimhen but Napoli are demanding that the Nigeria international’s €130 million (£110.8m) release clause is met.

Chelsea have already ruled themselves out of the running to sign Osimhen due to the high costs involved in the deal.

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